Camden Family Faces Charges in Chilling Case Involving Missing Poker Player
The indictment of three Camden, New Jersey, family members for murdering and mutilating a local man after a casual poker game is disturbing. Harold “Hal” Miller Jr., 48, of Deptford is missing.
Miller entered a Camden Baird Boulevard home on June 12, according to police. Camden resident Everton R. Thomas, 41, is suspected of shooting Miller inside the home. Thomas, his wife, Sherrie M. Parker, 41, and his son, Deshawn J. Thomas, 23, are accused of dismembering Miller and dumping the remains in an undisclosed place.
Miller’s relatives reported him missing June 14. His phone was in his Pennsauken automobile that day. Miller called Everton Thomas last, records show. Thomas took the call but said he last saw Miller at a June 11–12 Camden Federal Street poker game.
Miller entered the Thomas home later on June 12 and fired one round, according to CCTV footage. No one saw him leave the property. After the murder, the Thomas family bought a chainsaw, cleaning supplies, plastic sheeting, gloves, duct tape, contractor bags, and many ice bags. After repeatedly throwing black trash bags at a neighboring apartment complex, surveillance footage showed them loading gray containers and bags into a minivan which may have contained the victim’s remains.
Thomas residents reported a gunshot, power tools in the basement, and heavy kitchen and basement cleaning the day Miller disappeared. One observer noticed decomposing body odor. Deshawn Thomas said that his father urged him to dismember a body and that he checked online if a chainsaw could cut meat.
Authorities said Everton Thomas left for Canada on June 21 after police questioned him. Thomas had Miller blood and a gun at home. Authorities said the victim was shot immediately upon entering the flat, showing premeditation.
Everton Thomas was arrested on September 8 after returning to America. A Camden County grand jury charged him with first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, and fourth-degree evidence tampering. Parker and Thomas are charged with second-degree human remains desecration and fourth-degree evidence tampering. Three await December 15 post-indictment arraignments in jail.
This case alerted Camden to residential violent crimes and law enforcement’s prosecutions. Police are searching for Miller’s remains and gathering evidence for indictments.
Sources:
Camden County Prosecutor says
Local law enforcement statements
Court papers and grand jury indictments
